ARCHITECTURE ART & CULTURE GALLERY MUSEUMS 

Interaction beyond time and space at the Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art

Life Takamatsu , , ,

Every time I visit the Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art, I cannot help thinking of the song ‘Kuchibue’ (meaning ‘whistle’ in Japanese) in my head. The lyric says: though tangible things lose their shape little by little, no one can deprive me of the warmth that you gave me.

I believe the value of arts is something like that song.

Kagawa prefecture is well-known as “Udon” prefecture.  In recent years Kagawa internationally has achieved name recognition for the exhibitions and the museums.  Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art, friendly called MIMOCA, might be located in the most convenient place in all of the museums in Kagawa.  Once you get out from JR Marugame station, you will find this museum on your right. Just across the street.

Photo OK museum

This museum established in 1991. Genichiro Inokuma has very close connection with Kagawa. He was born in Takamatsu and moved to Marukame city. He spent the most of his childhood in Kagawa. 1000 of his artworks was donated to Marukame city by himself in1989. Furthermore he presented all of his artworks, it was about 20 thousands, to MIMOCA. The rich collection of contemporary arts, seasonal permanent collection and changing exhibitions as turning of seasons attract many visitors. This place will impress you in different way in different time.

His works was influenced on each of his life stages and surrounding environment. He moved from places to places. Kagawa, Tokyo, France, New York and then Hawaii. He is very productive artist whose art style varies such as the paintings featured on cats, the illustrations for books and magazines, the ikat textile works, the abstract paintings in America and portraits of his wife.

p1020527When I visited this museum for the first time, a museum staff came to me as soon as I pointed my camera at a work. Though I was afraid of being prohibited taking photos, the staff kindly told me “it’s okay to take photos in this museum.”
The staff and architecture & interior design creates very comfortable atmosphere. Plenty of chairs are installed so that visitors can sit back and relax or take some notes.

p1020508The featured exhibition until 6 November is photographer Takashi Homma’s new work Mitsukoshi wrapping paper which is photo of wrapping paper ‘Hanahiraku’ (meaning opening flower in Japanese) designed by Genichiro Inokuma. Hanahiraku was designed 60 years ago and still appeals to people.

img_4976100 Chairs in 100 Days by the artist from Italy was displayed in the special exhibition until the end of 2015.

Enjoying the architectural space with art works

This building was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. Square frame and large wide window produce spacious room as most of his architects have the feature. Though the structure is quite simple, it shows various expressions by shining natural light.

img_4975MIMOCA is three stories building and you will experience broad space and natural light through the large windows.  Yoshio Taniguchi’s other important works are the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, the water bus shelter and the aquarium in Tokyo Sea Life Park, the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and so on.

img_4965Since my first visit I was fascinated by this sophisticated architectural structure in space and combination of natural light and shadow.  That’s why MIMOCA became one of my must-visit places

p1020534There is a café space in MIMOCA.  You can enjoy the view from the window while you think back on the art works with drinks and snacks.  Also, there are a museum shop and art book library that you can read through books and magazines about arts.

MIMOCA aims to be a museum rooted in the region so that citizens can easily visit and enjoy.  It also intends to promote the advancement of art and culture.  The convenient location helps attract people in Marukame city as well as people from other cities and tourists.

INFORMATION

Access: JR Marugame station―Approximately 30 to 40 minutes from JR Takamatsu station.

You May Also Like

The most historical wooden tenshu of Shikoku – Marugame Castle